Otterhound
The Good
- Excellent family companion with gentle, loving nature
- Outstanding swimming ability and water confidence
- Intelligent and eager to please during training
- Good with children when properly socialised
- Naturally friendly and affectionate temperament
The Real
- Requires substantial daily exercise (minimum 2 hours)
- Can be boisterous and may accidentally knock over small children
- Prone to loud baying, especially when bored or anxious
- Needs regular grooming to prevent matting
- Strong scent drive can lead them into trouble if not contained
Breed Overview
The Otterhound is truly one of Australia's most unique canine companions - a gentle giant with a heart as big as its impressive frame. Originally bred in medieval England for otter hunting, these magnificent hounds bring together the perfect storm of athleticism, affection, and adventure-seeking spirit that many Australian families absolutely adore.
What makes Otterhounds special is their incredible versatility. They're equally at home splashing through Queensland creeks or hiking the Blue Mountains trails, thanks to their webbed feet and waterproof double coat. Standing up to 69 centimetres tall and weighing up to 52 kilograms, they're substantial dogs that command attention wherever they go - but it's their gentle, loving nature that truly wins hearts.
These dogs are natural comedians with a tendency to try squeezing their large frames into your lap, completely oblivious to their size. They're incredibly social creatures who form deep bonds with their families and genuinely suffer when left alone for extended periods. This makes them perfect for active Australian households where someone's usually around, but perhaps not ideal for busy professionals who travel frequently.
Their intelligence shines through in training, though they can be sensitive souls who respond best to positive reinforcement rather than harsh corrections. With proper socialisation from puppyhood, they're fantastic with children and other pets, making them excellent additions to established Australian families looking for a loyal, adventure-ready companion.
History
The Otterhound's story reads like a chapter from medieval England, where these magnificent hounds were developed specifically to hunt otters that were decimating valuable fish stocks in rivers and stocked ponds. This wasn't just any hunting - it was a noble pursuit favoured by kings and country squires who needed to protect their precious food sources.
Unlike fox hunting, which captured the public imagination, otter hunting remained a more exclusive sport of the nobility. The work required dogs with extraordinary capabilities: they needed to track an otter's scent trail through water, sometimes following trails that were hours or even a day old. This demanded an incredibly sensitive nose, powerful swimming ability, and the stamina to work in harsh aquatic conditions for extended periods.
These hounds were meticulously bred to excel in water. Their webbed feet, waterproof double coat, broad chest, and powerful shoulders made them virtually unstoppable in aquatic environments. They could take on a fully-grown otter - no small feat considering these prey animals could weigh 9 kilograms and possessed razor-sharp claws and teeth.
The breed's fate changed dramatically when otter hunting was outlawed due to the near-extinction of river otters. Suddenly, there was no practical need for these specialised hunters, and the breed's numbers plummeted. The American Kennel Club recognised the Otterhound in 1909, but by then, the breed was already becoming increasingly rare.
Today, Otterhounds are considered one of the world's most endangered dog breeds, rarer than Giant Pandas. This scarcity makes them particularly special for Australian owners lucky enough to share their lives with these gentle giants.
Traits & Characteristics
Otterhound characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Otterhounds are generally robust dogs for their size, with most living healthy lives spanning 10-13 years. However, like many large breeds, they do face some specific health challenges that Australian owners should understand before bringing one home.
The most serious concern is bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply. Large, deep-chested breeds like Otterhounds are particularly susceptible. Watch for signs like a hard, swollen belly, retching without vomiting, and obvious distress. If you see these signs, it's a race to the emergency vet.
Hip dysplasia is another inherited condition affecting this breed. The thigh bone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint, causing pain and arthritis over time. Reputable ANKC breeders screen their breeding dogs through hip evaluations, so always ask for health clearances when considering a puppy. Maintaining a lean body weight is crucial for managing this risk.
Primary epilepsy can develop in young Otterhounds (typically 1-4 years old), causing seizures with no identifiable underlying cause. While confronting for owners, this condition is usually manageable with long-term anti-seizure medications prescribed by your vet.
A rare bleeding disorder called Glanzmann's thrombasthenia affects some Otterhound lines, preventing proper blood clotting. Dogs with this condition can bleed excessively from minor injuries. Reputable breeders will be aware of this and should test for it.
Regular vet check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are your best defences against these conditions.
Feeding an Otterhound properly is crucial for their development and long-term health, especially given their substantial size and growth patterns. These gentle giants have specific nutritional needs that change significantly from puppyhood through their senior years.
Otterhound puppies experience rapid growth spurts and need high-quality puppy food specifically formulated for large breeds until they're at least 12-18 months old. This specialised nutrition provides balanced calcium and phosphorus levels for proper bone and joint development. Don't rush them onto adult food, as their growing frames need this specific support.
Once they reach adulthood, transition to a premium adult formula for large breeds. In Australia, you'll find excellent local and international brands that cater to their requirements. These dogs do best with twice-daily feeding—morning and evening—to help prevent overeating and reduce the risk of bloat. If your Otterhound inhales their food, a slow-feeding bowl is a great investment.
Portion control is essential. Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging, but adjust based on your dog's activity level and body condition. Your vet can show you how to do a body condition score to ensure they're not getting too heavy, which is vital for protecting their joints. Active dogs swimming at Aussie beaches will need more fuel than those who prefer the couch.
Keep treats to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake, and always have fresh, clean water available—this is especially important in Australia's warmer climate.
The Otterhound's distinctive shaggy double coat is both their crowning glory and your regular responsibility. This weatherproof coat protected them in harsh conditions, but in your Australian home, it needs consistent care to stay healthy.
Plan on brushing your Otterhound once or twice a week with a slicker brush and a sturdy comb to get down to the skin. This prevents painful matting and removes debris that their coat loves to collect on adventures. If you're near Aussie bushland or beaches, you'll be doing this more often to get rid of sand, twigs, and burrs.
Pay special attention to their beard, which collects food and water. A quick wipe after meals will keep it from getting funky. Their coat is meant to be kept long and natural, so they don't need fancy clips. You might just want to trim the hair around their paws for cleanliness, especially during wet winters.
During the spring shedding season (typically September to November), you might need to brush more often. A professional grooming session for a de-shed can cost between $90-$150 AUD for a dog this size and can make managing the hair around the house much easier. Bathing should only be done as needed, as their coat naturally repels dirt and frequent washing can strip essential oils.
Don't forget those big, floppy ears. They can trap moisture, especially after a swim, creating a perfect environment for infections. Clean them every couple of weeks with a vet-approved cleaner, and always dry them thoroughly after they get wet.
Training an Otterhound requires understanding their sensitive nature and powerful scent drive. These gentle giants are eager to please but wilt under harsh corrections, so positive reinforcement is the only way to go. Think praise, treats, and patience.
Start training the day they come home. A 50-kilogram adult Otterhound with no manners is a real handful. Focus immediately on teaching them not to jump on people. Their boisterous, loving nature means they want to greet everyone enthusiastically, but that's a lot of dog coming at you. Consistent training from puppyhood is key.
Exercise is non-negotiable—they need a minimum of two hours a day. This isn't a gentle stroll; they were bred for stamina and thrive on long bushwalks, swimming, or hiking. In hotter parts of Australia like Perth or Brisbane, exercise must be scheduled for the cool of the early morning or late evening during summer, as their thick double coat puts them at risk of heatstroke in temperatures over 28°C.
Their powerful nose will get them into trouble, so they must always be exercised in a securely fenced area or on-leash. That scent drive is so strong they'll follow a smell right across a busy road. Mental stimulation is just as important. A bored Otterhound is a noisy, destructive Otterhound. Puzzle toys, scent work games, and training sessions will keep their clever mind busy.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Otterhound owner in Australia is someone who genuinely embraces an active, outdoor lifestyle and has the space and time to meet this breed's substantial needs. These aren't dogs for apartment living or for busy people who work long hours. They need families who can provide constant companionship and plenty of adventure.
Ideal owners have a large, securely fenced backyard. However, space alone isn't enough; these dogs need you to exercise *with* them. They're perfect for Aussie families who enjoy weekend camping trips, regular beach visits, or bushwalking. Experience with large, independent-minded hounds is a big plus. First-time owners can succeed, but you must be prepared for the challenge of training a big, strong dog with a powerful instinct to follow its nose.
Families with older children often do wonderfully with Otterhounds. Their gentle nature is a great match, but their sheer size and boisterousness can be too much for toddlers. Supervision is always required. In major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, be aware that many apartment buildings have body corporate by-laws restricting dogs over 20kg, making an Otterhound unsuitable for most high-density living.
Finally, consider your neighbours. Otterhounds can be very vocal, with a deep, carrying bay. If you're in a typical suburban neighbourhood, you'll need to be committed to meeting their exercise and mental stimulation needs to prevent boredom-related baying.
Interesting facts about the Otterhound
Rarer Than Giant Pandas
The Otterhound is one of the world's most endangered dog breeds, with fewer than 800 individuals estimated to exist globally, making them rarer than the Giant Panda.
Underwater Scent Tracker
Their sense of smell is so incredibly acute that they were known to track an otter's scent trail through water, even if the trail was left the night before.
Born with Webbed Feet
Otterhounds have unique, large, webbed feet and a rough, waterproof double coat, making them exceptional swimmers perfectly designed for their original aquatic work.
A King's Hunting Hound
In medieval England, packs of Otterhounds were kept by nobility, including kings, to protect the valuable fish stocks in their rivers and ponds from otter predation.
FAQ
Yes, Otterhounds make excellent family pets when properly trained from a young age. They're naturally affectionate and gentle, but their large size means they need early training to prevent accidentally knocking over small children during enthusiastic greetings.
These active dogs require at least two hours of exercise daily. This isn't just a casual walk - they need activities like long hikes, swimming sessions, or vigorous play. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive or develop excessive barking habits.
Not really. Their large size, exercise needs, and tendency to bay loudly make them better suited to homes with yards and understanding neighbours. They thrive in suburban or rural Australian settings where they have space to move and explore safely.
Brush your Otterhound once or twice weekly to prevent matting and remove debris from their coat. Their beard may need more frequent cleaning, and their ears should be cleaned every 2-3 weeks, plus after swimming sessions.
Absolutely! Their webbed feet and waterproof coat make them natural swimmers. They love Australian beaches and water activities, but always supervise them around strong currents or unfamiliar water conditions for safety.
Finding one! They're incredibly rare worldwide. Beyond that, meeting their substantial exercise needs and managing their vocal nature in suburban neighbourhoods are the main challenges Australian owners face.